Oliver Stone’s Son Converts to Islam

Reuters

Sean Stone, son of Oliver Stone, in Tehran 2/16/12. His necklace symbolizes the sword of Sayyidina Ali (kw). Stone converted to Islam Tuesday while filming a documentary on Jalaluddin Rumi.  REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl

The son of US filmmaker Oliver Stone has told Iranian media he hopes his conversion to Islam helps Americans to understand more about the faith.

Sean Stone, 27, became a Muslim last week in a ceremony in the Iranian city of Isfahan and has adopted the Islamic name Ali.

In the past, the documentary maker has spoken of his support for Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and the country’s nuclear programme.

Following Mr. Stone’s conversion, he told a news conference: “It’s a mistake to believe that Islam is antagonistic towards Judaism and Christianity.

“What we need is to understand each other’s beliefs and to establish dialogue.”

Oliver Stone supports his son’s conversion to Islam

Asked how his conversion would be reported in America, Mr. Stone said he was not famous and it would have little effect on his life back home.

“The most important thing is I hope I can help Americans to understand the true nature of Islam,” he said.

“I feel good when I enter a mosque. I believe there is only one God and with this view it is not important whether you are Muslim, Christian or Jewish.”

Iranian media has widely covered Mr. Stone’s conversion and his Iran-friendly comments.

He said the best Iran could do with regard to the tensions surrounding the country over its controversial nuclear programme was not to look to the West.
“Pay attention to the east, and work with its partners like China,” he said.

“Try to industrialize the country and bring life to its economy.”

Mr. Stone has been in Iran to produce a film about Rumi, the 13th-century mystic Persian poet, and is planning to work with Iranian film producers.

His comments come as America and its allies suspect Iran is seeking to develop nuclear weapons under the guise of a civilian nuclear energy program.
Iran says it is enriching uranium only for civilian purposes.

On Thursday, Mr. Stone received an award from Iran’s ministry of culture to mark the end of Tehran’s international Fajr film festival.

He  is the first-born son of Oscar-winning director Oliver, who has supported his decision to convert to Islam.

The JFK director is no stranger to political controversy himself, befriending Cuban leader Fidel Castro and anti-American Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez.

Last week, US actor Sean Penn showed his support for Chavez during a visit to Venezuela after criticizing the UK’s decision to deploy Prince William to the Falklands.

He claimed the UK was “colonialist” in retaining the Falklands.

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